Master Lin was an old and powerful master who lived alone in a monastery for away from civilization. He was a very well known fighter and his skills were beyond reproach. Many young and aspiring young men wished to learn from him but he turned all of them away.
Ah Seng hailed from a farming village and it was his ambition to be the best martial artist in China. Since young he learned from many teachers but in no time he mastered all the moves, tricks and nothing else interested him. But his ultimate aim was to train under the tutelage of Master Lin.
One day Ah Seng convinced his best friend Ah Han to accompany him to search for Master Lin. After nearly a year of hardships, they located the neurotic master. Ah Seng and Ah Han knelt before him for seven days and seven nights under the hot sun and in the storm. Finally, Master Lin was touched by their devotion and agreed to take them in as his disciples.
It was no surprise that Ah Seng was a fast learner and absorbed all the poses and stance that Master Lin showed them. But there was one last move that Ah Seng could not conquer. He asked Master Lin to teach him but the wise old man said that “This move cannot be taught but discovered within oneself.” This infuriated Ah Seng as he found the grumpy strange man selfish and stingy in knowledge. On the other hand, Ah Han took his time to understand the tactic of each move and therefore was only half as advanced as Ah Seng.
After eight years of training, Master Lin advised his two students to depart and to go back to their village. Their skills were not meant to be used for confrontational purposes but it was at best a form of self-defense. Unless it was extremely necessary one was not to bring harm to another. Ah Han took his master’s advice to heart and followed it diligently. Ah Seng was ever ready to take up any challenge or he sometimes instigated others to fight him.
In no time, Ah Seng was feared by many. He was the strongest martial artist in Northern China. But legend has it that in Southern China lived a mysterious fighter named Duke Warrior. Ah Seng was frustrated that there existed another person who could surpass his might and aptitude in kung fu. He travelled all the way to Southern China and challenged Duke to a duel. Ah Han had seen how vicious and agile Duke was and he was definitely faster and better than Ah Seng. He warned Ah Seng that he should not fight Duke. Of course Ah Seng was offended and cautioned Ah Han to stay out of his business.
On the day of the battle, Ah Han secretly followed Ah Seng. He was worried that his friend will be sacrificed in this clash. True enough, Ah Seng was no match for Duke’s speed and dexterity. Ah Seng could not go pass his own limitation and to execute the last move of Master Lin’s teachings. He didn’t know how to go within himself to discover the technique. Duke was merciless and was preparing to give Ah Seng his fatal blow.
And from the bushes Ah Han jumped out and protected Ah Seng. Within matter of a few punches and kicks, Ah Han was severely injured. He had fallen. Duke ripped the last breath from Ah Han.
At that moment, Ah Seng dropped his desire to win and understood for the first time that all his endeavours were focused mainly on selfishly proving himself but what for? The death of Ah Han awakened his sleeping mind and heart. The once egoistical youth finally mastered his vulnerability and fears. He went within himself and discovered the last technique.
Duke attacked Ah Seng but now Ah Seng was able to comprehend the true spirit of martial arts. It was a way to find one’s true self. He was able to defeat Duke effortlessly. Duke was surprised but was prepared to surrender his life. However Ah Seng retreated and said to Duke that he will never battle for the sake of glory anymore.
From that day onwards, Ah Seng became a wanderer and only used his martial arts to defend the weak. But deep down he was yearning to see Master Lin and to inform him that he learned the final tactic.
After six years of travel Ah Seng stopped by a small restaurant in a village. From a distance he saw a familiar figure serving dim sum. It was Master Lin! But what was he doing serving dim sum at a small dingy restaurant?
Ah Seng approached the old man and recognized him to be Master Lin. Although the old man said his name was Fu Gwai. Master Lin died many years ago. Ah Seng was surprised. He explained to Fu Gwai that he had learned all the moves even the final technique. Fu Gwai said that he was only a dim sum master and knew nothing of kung fu. He said that when one had reached a stage of mastery it was dangerous to stay attached to one’s achievements. It was wise to let go and start afresh and to continue to learn new things. Fu Gwai said that he was more than happy to teach him his latest recipe.
Ah Seng laughed and said, “Master Fu Gwai, my name is Ah Tin, a dim sum apprentice.”
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